---

When our youth group first began, I served as an usher, folded bulletins, and moved chairs. I was even recruited into the choir, not for my singing ability, but because I sang loud and energetically. In those days, everyone did everything they could.

Limited availability and budget made us move from place to place every few months for service – from Bible House to various hotel ballrooms. Despite not having a permanent venue, we remained faithful and prayerfully adapted to the changes. God grew the group and we saw 100 salvations that year!

West Centre also began in the same way.

Every leader took on various roles, with some even taking on multiple ministries or roles that were not their strengths.

There were weeks where we weren’t sure where next week’s service would be. People had to get used to broadcast services, and the lags and stops that came with it. There was even a week where we were so tempted to go back to Axis for service. Eventually, we decided to meet in Life Groups so we could root ourselves in the West to bring light into darkness. Despite not having the full setup for service, people continued to sing and worship. Now, we have more than 450 people in weekly attendance across all our services!

---

When Hope first moved to the West, I was asked to be SM Head. Because of the startup nature, there was no clear SOP or job description. I was afraid to lead volunteers, as I was neither a pastoral leader, nor the most eloquent or charismatic. I was also afraid of the commitment as I was busy with work.

Pastor Jeff once challenged the congregation to question “Why not” instead of “Why”. Since then, I have adopted that heart posture. Upon consideration, I realised there was little reason to say “No”. My concerns were real, but they weren’t enough to reject participating in God’s work.

As SM, I was given the autonomy to plan services on my own – from looking for hosts, thinking of icebreakers, to procuring gifts for special services. However, I often felt inadequate and alone trying to come up with good programmes that would appeal to the Westies.

He sent friends from other centres, and we exchanged pointers, shared resources, and prayed for each other. He also provided career opportunities that gave me the time and headspace to serve. Slowly, He grew my heart to love the volunteers. By His grace, since West Centre was established, we have seen many residents visit our church, some even coming to know Christ!

---

When I was 10 years old, I went to church every Sunday. However, as I grew older, I drifted from the faith and did not consider myself a Christian. In 2022, I experienced workplace discrimination. I was constantly threatened and taken advantage of by my colleagues. Though I shared this with my supervisor, no action was taken. I experienced immense stress, developed insomnia, and even attempted suicide.

Though I drifted from God, He never stopped chasing me. One of my Christian colleagues listened to my problems and prayed for me. He also encouraged me to look for a church and to rededicate my life to Christ, but I didn’t know how to.

One day in 2024, Pastor Dennis rang my doorbell, inviting me to Hope @ Jurong West. However, I had forgotten the exact location of the church, and was reluctant to go there in fear that I wouldn’t be able to find him.

2 months later, Pastor Dennis appeared at my door again. I had prayed for his return, and at that moment I knew that God still accepted me and wanted to reconnect with me again.

I experienced God’s love through my Life Group’s care and support. As I took Christianity seriously, I slowly rediscovered my joy and peace in Christ.

Looking back, I know that finding a home in Hope is a miracle that could only have been orchestrated by a loving God who is always there for me.